Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Galatians 5:22-25.
As we read about the fruit of the Spirit today, we assess how we can work on all nine of the virtues. But we may wonder how can we strengthen these attributes in us? How can we turn away from all the sins that we struggle with that are mentioned here. We are not strong enough to control our sinful ways on our own. We need the power of God, the Holy Spirit, to guide us. The fruit that Paul is talking about is not accomplished by the power of our old selves. It can only be accomplished in the power of the new self that we receive through the work of Jesus Christ, the new life that comes to us by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
With the new life of the Spirit in us, we have a new self that is led by the Spirit. Because we are led by the Spirit, we can grow as the Spirit grows in us. Our lives, with the life of the Holy Spirit in us, can succeed living out the fruit of the Spirit in the nine ways mentioned-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Because of our unique personalities, we might find it easier to practice some virtues than others, but that doesn’t mean that we can avoid working on a difficult virtue such as patience. If we are impatient by nature, that is exactly the fruit of the Spirit that we should conquer!
Personal Worship Option:
Guide us, Lord, to turn away from our sinful nature so that we will enjoy life in the Holy Spirit. Amen
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